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Amtrak’s new line between Washington and Lynchburg had twice as many passengers as expected in its first month of operation, state officials said.

The D.C. to Lynchburg train began running in October and includes a stop along the way in Charlottesville. The new service is sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia as part of a three-year pilot program designed to provide more transportation options for Virginians.

Kevin Page, Director of Rail Transportation for Virginia’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation, told the Commonwealth Transportation Board on Wednesday that passenger fares totaled $414,000 in the first month, 87 percent higher than expected. 8,500 passengers rode the new train in October. Page’s comments were first reported by The News & Advance.

While the first results appear to be promising, the true test may come in the winter, after the line has been in operation for three full months. Train ridership is normally lower in the winter, officials said.